Numerous challenges can face you if you're looking at aging in place. These can include mobility issues and the need for accessibility solutions you didn't need previously. But for disabled adults and elderly people, these resources are much-needed for them to live a full and independent life. With the right home improvements, though, you can continue to live in the home you love with the right aging in place service in Vancouver, WA.
Whether you need help with a bathroom renovation that includes the professional installation of grab bars or a wheelchair ramp installation, our Vancouver experts have the experience and skills needed to get the job done. With the right modifications and implementations of accessibility solutions, you can feel comfortable staying in your home longer. That's why one of Mr. Handyman's more popular services is their aging in place service in Vancouver, WA.
Aging in Place Service in Vancouver, WA: Our Accessibility Solutions
Whether you're the caregiver to adults with disabilities or an elderly family member or looking to make your home more accessible for you in your advanced age, there are minor home improvements that can be done which have numerous advantages. Walk-in showers and access ramps are structural changes that are game-changers for those looking to continue to live in their home with an aging in place service in Vancouver, WA.
Upgrade Your Door Handles and Light Switches
If you have arthritis or other physical limitations, it can be difficult to turn a doorknob. That's why it's recommended to upgrade your door handles to lever-style handles. These types of handles place less stress on the wrist and hands, making them an improvement to consider when looking at an aging in place service in Vancouver, WA.
Although typical switch plates aren't strenuous to operate, they might be challenging for those with declining dexterity. A better option is paddle-style switches, which are far more straightforward to use, as you can operate them with the simple touch of a finger. Another aging in place service in Vancouver, WA, you should consider includes switch plates that are illuminated in the dark, allowing for easier operation.
Widen Your Doorways
Your average doorway isn't very accessible if you use a walker, wheelchair, or other mobility device. Often, they're too narrow to navigate properly. Since mobility challenges come with aging, seniors can feel frustrated and isolated if they cannot move easily from one room to another. If you're looking for an aging in place service in Vancouver, WA, that will help you maintain your independence, look into having your local handyman widen your doorways for you.
Grab Bar Installation in Vancouver, WA
Grab bars are short handrails that are particularly effective for preventing falls in your kitchen or bathroom, where the floor might become slippery. The bars can be mounted on a variety of surfaces, including floors, walls, tubs, and ceilings. Typically, they're installed to help those living with a disability or the elderly as a stability enhancement.
There is a wide range of grab bars available for a grab bar installation in Vancouver, WA. They must support some or all of a person's body weight, provide enough clearance, and feature a textured grip. They can help promote mobility and safety if they're installed properly.
Some of the types of grab bars that are commonly installed during a grab bar installation in Vancouver, WA, include:
- Wall Mounted: These are secured to either a wall or the wall studs utilizing appropriate screws and anchors to support an individual's full weight.
- Bathtub Mounted: These are secured at or around the rim of a bathtub with clamps or other appropriate fasteners. They're used to safely stabilize an individual as they get into or out of a bathtub.
- Folding Support Bar: These are flexible options that fold and unfold to save space in a tight location (i.e., next to a toilet).
- Dual-Purpose Handrails: These are another space-saving option, along with folding support bars. These can double as towel racks, shower shelves, or toilet paper holders.
When it comes to a grab bar installation in Vancouver, WA, the amount of space available is key. For instance, a wheelchair user might prefer dual-folding supports, while a caregiver might prefer a system that leaves them plenty of room to maneuver.
Ramp Installation in Vancouver, WA
Simply entering and exiting your home is something that many of us take for granted. But for those with mobility challenges, it can be a huge obstacle if there are stairs or a raised threshold. And for those who use a wheelchair or walker, steps can be impossible. A ramp installation in Vancouver, WA, is the solution to eliminate stairs as an obstacle and give people more independence.
Additionally, an access ramp installation in Vancouver, WA, can create a smooth transition from one room to another, minimizing the risk of a fall. When it comes to installing a wheelchair ramp or access ramp, you need a professional handyman to tackle it, as there are requirements that need to be met in terms of the correct height and rise to ensure that they're safe to use.
At Mr. Handyman of Vancouver, Camas and Ridgefield, we care about your safety and comfort at home. If you have further questions regarding our home modifications, feel free to contact us.